Poet and author Maya Angelou dead aged 86

Celebrated writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou has died

Maya Angelou died last night at her home in Winston-Salem, her family has confirmed.

The author of seven autobiographies, several books of essays and numerous poems, she was often seen as a spokesperson for black women due to her prominence in the civil rights movement and the themes of racism and identity in her work.

Angelou drew on her vast life experience to write her autobiographical works, which spanned her childhood to her adulthood, beginning with her most famous book, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. Prior to becoming a writer she worked in roles as diverse as a fry cook, nightclub dancer and journalist, travelling through Egypt and Ghana during the days of decolonisation.

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Author JK Rowling has led tributes on Twitter, saying: "'If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.' Maya Angelou - who was utterly amazing."